Monika Stahl

Search terms: symbolism, mixed media, painting, abstract

About the Artist

Monika was born in Vienna, Austria. She is an IT-executive with HERMES PHARMA Ges.m.b.H. Monika has been painting for several years and has developed a special acrylic technique.

"I was inspired by the book 'To Have or to Be' by Erich Fromm, money respectively banknotes were chosen as a symbol for 'to Have'. The destruction of banknotes through ripping, cutting, burning and painting over signifies the transformation from ‘to have’ into ‘to be’. Erich Fromm differentiates between 'Have-persons' and 'Be-persons'. The former are people who aim for possession and the latter aspire to privilege, existence and life. The paintings shift the value of the banknotes from a materialistic symbol to a piece of art."

"Additionally the exchange of most currencies to Euro in Europe had a deep impact on the art work. Many different currencies disappeared, which were small pieces of art on their own and have now become a part of history. The paintings should conserve the beauty of banknotes in the sense of 'To Be' rather than as only a means of payment." Monika Stahl